Trapital

In this episode, we’re revisiting our deep dive on James Dolan’s Sphere in Las Vegas. The Backstreet Boys residency at the Sphere. As we predicted on our 2025 Live Music Draft, the boy band’s apperance at the Vgas spectacle would exceed expectations. So I talk about that before I jump into the episode. Then I’m joined by MIDiA Research’s Tati Cirisano for our deep dive on the mult-billion dollar vision and future of The Sphere. 04:05 Sphere’s Backstory 10:33 Business Model 19:21 Financial Hurdles 28:40 Expansion Plans 33:11 Future Prospects Early bird ticket sales to the Trapital Summit end on Thursday July 24! Get your tickets today before prices go up! Join us on Wednesday September 10 in LA. This episode is presented by State Farm, the home for your small business needs. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. Listen in for our Chartmetric Stat of the Week.

Tuma Basa is the Director of Black Music and Culture at YouTube, previously shaping music at MTV and Spotify. He shares insights on YouTube's evolution and its pivotal role in music promotion. The conversation dives into how artists can harness YouTube's diverse format to engage audiences effectively. Tuma discusses the trend of global music, highlighting the rise of Amapiano and its cultural connections. He also explores the shift in music curation from traditional media to digital platforms, emphasizing a more inclusive landscape.

Exciting news unfolds as a major summit approaches, gathering leaders from music, entertainment, and tech. Notable speakers include Elliot Grainge and Steve Pamon, sharing insights on industry innovations. The event promises valuable networking opportunities and highlights early bird ticket pricing. Sponsors like the Raine Group and Warner Music Group are lending their support, ensuring a stellar lineup. Don't miss this chance to connect with the vanguards shaping the future!

Dive into the competitive world of record labels and the fierce battle for market share. Discover how significant financial decisions are influenced by this metric, raising questions about the value of heavy spending. Unpack the complex dynamics of executive compensation tied to market position and the challenges faced by both major and independent labels. Explore the pressing issues of artist success amidst these pressures, and ponder the impact of stagnant streaming revenues on the future of the music industry.

Tati Cirisano, a music industry expert and analyst, joins to discuss Taylor Swift’s music rights saga and its broader implications. They explore the financial impacts on key players like Scooter Braun and Swift herself. The conversation delves into the increasing trend of artists reclaiming ownership of their works and the evolving dynamics of fan loyalty in shaping these narratives. They ponder how history will remember Swift's fight for her masters and what it means for future artists navigating similar challenges.

Lonny Olinick, CEO of AWAL and a visionary in the music distribution landscape, discusses why artist development is more crucial than ever. He elaborates on how AWAL blends traditional label services with a focus on artist ownership, providing creative freedom and global reach. The conversation dives into Sony Music's acquisition of AWAL, revealing how it enhances career opportunities for artists without compromising their authenticity. Lonny also shares insights on navigating artist agreements, emphasizing support and patience in cultivating talent.

Sowmya Krishnamurthy, author of Fashion Killa, dives into the vibrant interplay between hip-hop and luxury fashion. She reveals how hip-hop has shifted from underground roots to mainstream dominance, influencing trends and collaborations. The duo discusses the role of nostalgia in celebrity culture and the need for authentic partnerships. They also examine the future landscape of fashion in 2025, spotlighting key figures like Kendrick Lamar and ASAP Rocky, and stress the importance of nurturing emerging talent in the industry.

Will Page, former chief economist at Spotify and author of 'Pivot', dives into the global impact of American music. He discusses the surprising dominance of U.S. artists amid a trend toward local sounds. The conversation touches on how American music continues to grow, the rise of hip-hop and country genres, and the shifting power dynamics in the streaming market. Page also highlights the new consumer empowerment in music consumption and shares insights about his creative projects, including his DJ mixes.

Oscar Hoglund, co-founder and CEO of Epidemic Sound, dives into the intersection of music and the creator economy. He reveals how AI is transforming music discovery and adaptation, ensuring artists are fairly compensated. Oscar discusses Epidemic Sound's unique revenue model and the challenges of navigating investor relations. He also highlights trends in content creation and the necessity for innovation in artist compensation, emphasizing the vital role of technology in fostering creativity in today’s saturated market.

Liz Dilts Marshall, Senior Finance Correspondent for Billboard, dives into the complexities of the music industry's economic landscape. She explores the rising investor interest in music assets despite geopolitical tensions. The discussion delves into how tariffs impact touring and live music, alongside the resilience of music revenues in fluctuating markets. Marshall compares today's music value to that of 1999, shedding light on modern consumption habits and the challenges artists face in a streaming-dominated world. A must-listen for anyone in the music business!